The Government of Uganda has released the 2024–2025 Malaria Indicator Survey, showing that malaria prevalence among children under five has risen from 10 to 13 percent, raising fresh concern about the country’s progress in combating the disease.
The survey, conducted by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health Uganda, provides updated data on malaria prevalence, prevention measures, and treatment practices across the country.
The findings were officially disseminated at the UBOS offices in Kampala.
Speaking during the launch, Amos Lugoloobi emphasized the importance of reliable statistics in guiding government policy and national development planning.
“Statistics guide planning, budgeting, and monitoring of development outcomes. We cannot do planning without data,” Lugoloobi said.
He noted that the rise in malaria prevalence among children under five should prompt policymakers to examine whether the challenge lies in insufficient funding or weaknesses in the implementation of malaria interventions.
“We must interrogate where the problem is. If we have been investing resources, we must ask whether the funding is inadequate or whether implementation is the challenge,” he said.
According to Chris Mukiza, Executive Director of UBOS, the survey collected data on key indicators including household ownership and use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, malaria testing among children under five, preventive treatment during pregnancy, and public knowledge on malaria prevention.
Mukiza said that although malaria prevalence has significantly declined over the years, from 45 percent to the current 13 percent, some preventive measures have remained stagnant.
“Access to insecticide-treated mosquito nets has remained at about 56%, the same level recorded in 2019,” he said.
The survey also revealed regional disparities in malaria trends, with some areas registering higher infection rates despite ongoing prevention efforts.
Albert Byamugisha, Chairperson of the UBOS Board, described statistical data as a strategic national asset that enables government and development partners to make informed decisions aimed at improving citizens’ welfare.
He noted that malaria remains one of the leading public health challenges in Uganda, accounting for a significant share of outpatient visits and hospital admissions, particularly among children under five and pregnant women.
The survey findings are expected to guide government and its partners in strengthening malaria prevention and treatment programs, while also informing progress toward global health targets such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3, which focuses on good health and well-being.
Government officials say the data will help target interventions in high-burden areas and ensure that public investments in health deliver tangible results.
Malaria continues to pose both a health and economic burden in Uganda, affecting productivity, school attendance, and household incomes, particularly in rural communities.
Officials say translating the survey findings into concrete policy action will be key to achieving the long-term goal of eliminating malaria in the country.
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